Spring N2 Action
GLEN ROSE REPORTER & YOURGLENROSETX.COM | Thursday, February 27, 2014 | PAGE C9
GIRLS TRACK
Participation picks up
early workouts,” Swearengin said. “It will really help us if she develops into a good hurdler.” Miranda Metker could run the 1600 or 3200. “Miranda did well in summer track and has her chance to compete,” the coach said. McKenzie Morrison could run the 800 or 1600. “McKenzie is a hard worker with a good attitude,” Swearengin said. Grace Payne is a candidate for the 1600 or 3200. “I look for Grace to be a leader for our distance runners,” the coach said. “She focuses on taking care of business.” Madison Wooten is another candidate for the 1600 or 3200. “Madison really likes to run,” Swearengin said. Madi Gibson could contribute in the 800, 4x400 or
triple jump. “Madi has a lot of track talent,” the coach said. Kayla Goebel is a new addition to the team this year as a senior. “Kayla will probably run the short sprints — 100 and 200 — and compete for a relay spot,” the coach said. While Swearengin respects the challenges of 7-3A, he believes the Lady Tigers could be more competitive as a team this year.
Kalli Crabtree will see if she can top her third-place district finish in the high jump from 2013.
“Amber is good at both, but she could really do well in the discus,” Swearengin said. “She’s naturally strong and explosive.” Watson has put other events aside and will focus on the pole vault this year. “I know she’ll work to improve,” the coach said. Sierra Armstrong is a candidate to run hurdles. “We’ll see how she comes back from a knee injury,” Swearengin said. “She brings determination and a great attitude.” Claire Boswell could compete in the 300 hurdles or the 4x400. “Claire is another athlete with a great attitude,” Swearengin said. Sophie Bozarth is a candidate to compete in the long jump and triple jump in her freshman year. “If she’s ready, it could really help us in the field events,” the coach said. Megan Bretton is working in the 400 and 4x400. “Megan has been a pleasant surprise early on,” the coach said. “If she earns a spot, she could have a breakout year.” Genesis Funez will compete in the shot put and discus. “She is extremely strong, so hopefully that transfers into her events,” Swearengin said. Page Green could run the 100, 200 or any relay. “Page is one of the fastest girls in her grade and she’ll compete for a spot,” the coach said. Shilah McFadin could take part in the 200, 400 or 300 hurdles. “Shilah has done well in
Ashlan Bernard
Aubrey Starnes
Claire Boswell
Genesis Funez
Grace Payne
Kalli Crabtree
Kayla Goebel
Lexi Crabtree
Madi Gibson
Madison Wooten
McKenzie Morrison
Megan Bretton
Miranda Metker
Page Green
Sabrina Watson
Shilah McFadin
Sierra Armstrong
Sophie Bozarth
TYE CHANDLER
sports@theglenrosereporter.com
Last season, filling out some events was a challenge for Lady Tiger track and field. With more varsity options this season, athletes will have to earn spots across the board and that competition could pay dividends. The team returns six area qualifiers with Aubrey Starnes, Lexi Crabtree, Kalli Crabtree, Ashlan Bernard, Amber Ponce and Sabrina Watson. “I think having that many accomplished athletes back is a reason for optimism,” said coach Todd Swearengin.
“We lost a couple of really strong seniors, but our team is still real young and will be predominantly juniors and sophomores. More depth should help our relays and we should also be better in the field events.” While it remains to be seen which girls end up making the varsity team, there are plenty of contenders in the mix. Starnes will be counted on in events like the 300-meter hurdles, the 400-meter dash and potentially all relays. “Aubrey can do it all,” Swearengin said. Lexi and Kalli Crabtree are
candidates for all relays and the 400-meter dash. Kalli has found more success in the high jump, while Lexi has a good history in the triple jump. “They are athletes who can do whatever we need,” Swearengin said. “They can run anything because they have strong legs and are explosive.” Bernard could be on any relay and potentially run the 100, 200 or 400. “Ashlan is a talented runner who will be placed wherever we need her,” the coach said. Ponce will throw the shot put and discus.
Lady Tigers raise competition within team
GRR FILE PHOTO
GRR FILE PHOTO
Lexi Crabtree (left) and Aubrey Starnes will be heavily counted on in both relay and individual events.
Amber Ponce